The First Step Towards a Unique Cultural Experience
Every year, ICD Business School offers its first-year students a unique experience to kick-start their academic journey: the Kick-Off. This week-long immersion abroad combines cultural discoveries, professional workshops, and teamwork, laying the foundation for their future as ICD students.
What is the Kick-Off?
The Kick-Off is a tradition at ICD Business School that marks the beginning of our first-year students' academic journey. This one-week trip abroad allows them to discover a new culture and a different teaching method, while instilling the core values of our school. In previous editions, students had the opportunity to explore cities like Lisbon or Tokyo.
The Kick-Off 2024 in Milan
This year, our students went to Milan, Italy, from Friday, September 6th, to Friday, September 13th, 2024. Known for its artistic heritage and economic dynamism, Milan offered our students a comprehensive immersion, blending cultural visits, marketing workshops, and professional meetings.
Diary: A Week Full of Experiences
Friday, September 6, 2024:
The students departed from Paris and Toulouse to arrive in Milan. They reached in the early evening, giving them time to settle in before preparing for an intense week ahead.
Saturday, September 7, 2024:
The first day of discovery featured a cultural tour of Milan in small groups. Students explored iconic landmarks such as Milan Cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and the La Scala museum.
Sunday, September 8, 2024:
A full-day trip to Lake Como allowed students to absorb the natural beauty of the region while sharing meaningful moments with their peers.
Monday, September 9, 2024:
The week kicked off academically with the opening ceremony and the introduction of the RSE marketing projects. In the afternoon, students began working on their group projects.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024:
After a morning visit to Leyton Italia, where they had the opportunity to meet Michael Lagarde, CEO and ICD Business School Alumni of the 2005 class, students had the afternoon free to explore Milan on their own.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024:
In the morning, students visited our partner university, IULM, followed by progress on the marketing projects in the afternoon.
Thursday, September 12, 2024:
The day was dedicated to the presentation of the RSE projects. After the final presentations and a closing ceremony, students celebrated the end of this intense week.
Friday, September 13, 2024:
Return to Paris and Toulouse after a week full of discoveries and learning.
The Importance of the Kick-Off for Our Students
- Immersing in the School
The Kick-Off is a unique opportunity for our first-year students to immerse themselves in the academic life of ICD Business School. It helps them better understand academic expectations and discover our school’s values. - Discovering a New Culture
Traveling to Milan offers an initial gateway to international exposure, a crucial element in the journey of our students. Meeting Italian culture through art, architecture, and cuisine serves as a rich source of personal and academic enrichment. - Building Bonds
The Kick-Off also allows students to form bonds with their peers and develop their teamwork skills, a crucial aspect of success within the school.
Conclusion
The Kick-Off is much more than just a trip. It marks the beginning of a human and academic adventure, placing our students in an environment conducive to personal and professional growth. A tradition dear to ICD Business School, synonymous with discovery, sharing, and success.